Centre of Aquaculture Research (ZAF)

The Centre for Aquaculture Research (ZAF – Zentrum für Aquakulturforschung) offers us a modern and versatile infrastructure for our research work. It consists of a series of closed recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS) with several fish tanks from 250 liters to 2500 liters and three rack systems with smaller individual tanks. Our systems are suitable for the standardized rearing of marine and freshwater fish species, shrimps and other crustaceans as well as special organisms such as sponges, algae, sea cucumbers and jellyfish. The systems can be customized in terms of size and components to meet current research requirements.

The salt content in each system can be regulated as required. This is primarily done with artificial seawater, but natural seawater can also be used in smaller quantities if required. The water quality is ensured by mechanical, chemical and biological treatment and closely monitored with sensors. Our glasshouse is particularly suitable for experiments with algae and aquaponics systems. Separate culture rooms are available for the cultivation of microalgae. The Working Group's and AWI's various laboratories offer a wide range of research possibilities.

All systems are closed RAS with integrated water treatment and low water consumption. Drum filters, biological moving bed filters for nitrification and denitrification and skimmers ensure a high water quality. We use ozone and UV for disinfection. The pH value and temperature are regulated automatically and monitoring of essential parameters such as oxygen ensures permanent control of the systems.

In general, all systems are suitable for fresh, brackish and sea water. Temperatures between 16 °C and 32 °C can be realized.

Customization with automatic feeders, additional measurement technology, particle collection systems or even new components is possible and can be designed according to project requirements.

36 circular flow tanks, 600 liters each (1.2 x 1.2m)

Each tank can be used with a particle collector

Suitable for:

• Round fish or flat fish up to approx. 500g
• shrimps
• feeding trials

6 round tanks of 2500 liters each (∅1.8m)

System consists of 3 subsystems and can be used as one large or 3 smaller systems

Suitable for:

• Round fish or flat fish up to approx. 3000g
• shrimps
• Technical studies

20 round tanks of 700 liters each (∅ 1 m) and 2 pool tanks 2.5 - 3m³ (2x2 m)

Holding basin can be easily exchanged

Suitable for:

• Round fish or flat fish up to approx. 1500g
• shrimps
• Technical comparisons
• Feeding/growth trials

18 aquarium tanks of 50 liters each, black with window

Aquarium shelf system for quick small-scale experiments

Suitable for: 

• Round fish or flat fish up to approx. 50g
• shrimps
• Short-term experiments

18 aquarium tanks of 200 liters each, black with window

Aquarium tanks can be subdivided to 100 liters - > 36 tanks of 100 liters each possible

Suitable for:

• Round fish or flat fish up to approx. 50g
• shrimps
• Short-term trials

 10 glass aquarium tanks of 200 liters each

Glass aquariums enable very good observation of the behavior and allow video recordings

Suitable for:

• Round fish or flat fish up to approx. 50g
• shrimps
• Short-term experiments

60 m² room with natural light

Particularly suitable for working with algae and plants 

24 round tanks with conical bottom, 80 liters each

System in separate container system

Suitable for:

• Fish larvae and shrimp larvae
• Feeding and growth experiments
• Working with small animals

4 aquaponics and aeroponic plant rack systems

Suitable for:

• Supply of the plant roots via spray system
• Light and temperature control
• Nutrient dosing